This fine double big game rifle was built at the turn of the 20th century and is highly unusual in being a hammer rifle made for use with nitro cartridges. The blued barrels are each engraved with double border lines at the breech end and respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON.” and “WINNERS OF ALL THE “FIELD” RIFLE TRIALS LONDON.” The flat partially matted rib has a ramped bead front sight with flip-up moon-sight and blued rear sight of one standing notch sight and two folding notch leaf sights each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 300 yards. The casehardened action has carved percussion fences and a long top strap extending to the comb. The left side of the action is engraved “CHARGE 89 GRAINS CORDITE/.577 CASE 3 INCHES”. The casehardened rebounding back action locks are each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”. The Jones patent underlever, trigger plate, trigger guard and pistol grip cap with hinged trap cover are also casehardened. There is border and scroll engraving throughout. The underside of the barrels and water table are struck with London nitro (Cordite) proof marks, and an import mark is under the forearm. The figured walnut pistol grip stock has a 3/4 inch rubber recoil pad, raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, casehardened lever fastener on the forearm, and a blank silver oval initial escutcheon on the underside of the butt along with a sling mount, and the corresponding sling mount is fitted beneath the barrels. It comes in a leather and oak case with maker's trade label and red lining. 14 1/2 inch length of pull. Weight 12 lbs. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Very fine as professionally refinished and was probably in little used condition before it was refinished. The barrels, action, locks, and furniture retain nearly all of the reapplied finish throughout. The barrel signatures and the engraving have been very well refreshed. There is some minor storage surface corrosion marking to the left fence and the left hammer retaining screw and slight loss of finish to the left lock. The wood is very fine with scattered minor age related handling blemishes, well-defined checkering, and expertly replaced forearm. The restored case is fine with mild wear. Mechanically excellent.